1871 days ago

New Year Honours: New Zealand's top scientist Dr Juliet Gerrard becomes a dame

Caroline Williams Reporter from Central Leader

Asked how she feels about being made a dame, Dr Juliet Gerrard​ is somewhat lost for words, an unfamiliar position for the woman whose job is distilling the most up-to-date scientific information for those making the decisions that will shape our future.

Gerrard, currently Jacinda Ardern’s chief science advisor, has been named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit​ in the New Year Honours.

While she hasn’t really processed what it means on a personal level, it hasn’t stopped the Freemans Bay resident from sharing the news with her 75-year-old mum in the United Kingdom, who got a kick out of getting the good news on her birthday.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

Image
Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 58.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
    58.6% Complete
  • 25.5% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.5% Complete
  • 15.8% ... It is complicated
    15.8% Complete
701 votes
4 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

Image
M
4 hours ago

Age Well Kiwi

Mabel from Hillsborough

We are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.

With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.


We meet on the first Saturday afternoon of the month in Mt. Roskill. Our next meeting will be 7 Mar 2026.

If you are interested in joining us and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com.